Beginner-Friendly Fishing in Wildwood, NJ
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday morning trip perfect for fishing beginnersCaptain provides all gear, licenses, and simple instructionTarget Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, Bass, and Flounder
Just starting out with fishing? Captain Joseph's morning trips out of Wildwood are exactly what you need to get hooked on this sport. This isn't some rushed tourist boat—it's a proper half-day fishing experience designed specifically for folks who want to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. At 8:00 AM sharp, you'll head out for about 4 hours total, giving you 2-3 solid hours of actual fishing time once you reach the good spots. The best part? Everything's included—gear, licenses, instruction—so you can focus on what matters most: catching fish and having a great time doing it.
Captain Joseph keeps things relaxed and educational, which is perfect when you're still figuring out which end of the rod does what. With only 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of personal attention without fighting for space at the rail. The boat heads to productive inshore waters where the fish are biting, and you'll learn two main techniques that'll serve you well anywhere you fish. The morning departure time is no accident—fish are most active early, and you'll avoid the afternoon crowds and choppy seas that can make beginners feel queasy. Don't worry about bringing anything special; just comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and maybe a light jacket since mornings on the water can be cool even in summer.
You'll get hands-on experience with two proven fishing methods that consistently produce fish off New Jersey. Trolling involves pulling lures behind the moving boat to mimic fleeing baitfish—it's how you'll target the faster predators like Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Atlantic Bonito. Captain Joseph will show you how to work the rod when a fish hits and how to fight them properly without losing your catch. For bottom fishing, you'll drop baited rigs down to where Flounder and Black Sea Bass hang out around structure. This technique teaches patience and lets you feel every nibble and bump on the bottom. The gear is all provided and pre-rigged, so you're not fumbling with knots and weights when the fish are biting. Both methods are beginner-friendly but effective enough that even experienced anglers use them regularly.
Spanish Mackerel are some of the most fun fish you'll encounter as a beginner. These silver rockets hit lures hard and put up a great fight for their size, typically running 1-3 pounds. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they love the trolled spoons and small lures Captain Joseph uses. What makes them perfect for new anglers is their aggressive nature—when they're around, they'll usually bite, giving you plenty of action to practice your technique. Plus, they're excellent eating if you want to take some home for dinner.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, and catching one is a rite of passage for any angler. These toothy predators can range from small "snappers" perfect for beginners to larger blues that'll test your skills. They're notorious for their hard strikes and determined fights, often jumping and thrashing when hooked. Summer and early fall are prime time for blues off Wildwood, and they'll hit both trolled lures and bottom baits. Just watch those teeth when Captain Joseph helps you land one—they're sharp enough to give you a memorable souvenir if you're not careful.
Black Sea Bass might not be the flashiest fish, but they're incredibly rewarding to catch and absolutely delicious. These bottom-dwellers hang around structure and reefs, typically weighing 1-4 pounds in these waters. They have a habit of trying to dive back into the rocks when hooked, so you'll learn quickly about applying steady pressure and keeping your rod tip up. Peak season runs from May through October, and the larger fish tend to bite better in deeper water. They're also one of the most cooperative fish for photos, with their distinctive black coloration and curious expressions.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the shape-shifters of the seafloor. These flatfish can change color to match the bottom, making them masters of camouflage until they grab your bait. They're prized for their sweet, white meat and can grow surprisingly large—anything over 20 inches is a keeper you'll be proud of. Fluke fishing teaches you to detect subtle bites since they often pick up the bait gently before committing. The season typically runs from May through September, with the larger "doormat" fluke showing up in deeper water as summer progresses.
Atlantic Bonito are the speed demons of this group, built like little torpedoes and fighting like fish twice their size. When a school moves through, the action can be non-stop as these 2-6 pound fish compete to hit your lures first. They're most common from late summer into fall, following baitfish schools along the coast. What makes bonito special is their incredible speed and stamina—they'll make long runs that get your reel screaming and test your drag system. They're also beautiful fish with distinctive stripes and a bullet-shaped profile that screams "built for speed."
This top-rated beginner trip fills up fast, especially during prime fishing season when the bite is hot. Captain Joseph's patient teaching style and productive fishing spots have made this a customer favorite for folks taking their first real fishing trip. With all gear and licenses included, it's an easy decision—just show up ready to learn and have fun. Whether you're looking to try something new, planning a family outing, or want to see if fishing might become your next obsession, this half-day trip delivers exactly what you need. Morning departures mean you'll be back on dry land by noon with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day in Wildwood, hopefully with some fresh fish and new skills to show off.
The Coastal Voyager is your ticket to productive fishing waters off Wildwood. This 30-foot Island Hopper pilothouse boat cuts through the waves with a reliable 330HP Cummins engine, getting you to the fish without beating you up on the ride. Built for comfort during those longer days on the water, she handles six anglers with room to move around and cast without crowding each other. Captain Joseph keeps her equipped with everything you need - GPS and radar to find the spots and get you home safe, plus a quality fish finder to locate schools of bonito, bass, and whatever else is biting. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel about the bite. Whether you're trolling for blues and Spanish mackerel or dropping bottom rigs for flounder, this boat puts you in the right position to hook up. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, so you can stay out there as long as the fish are cooperating.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speed demons that can hit 40 mph - think small tuna with attitude. Most run 3-8 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and distinctive black stripes. They school up in mid-water, usually 20-50 feet deep, chasing baitfish and often breaking the surface. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south. Guests love bonito for the raw power and blazing runs - they're like hooking a freight train. While they're oily and not great eating here, the fight more than makes up for it. When you see diving birds, that's your cue - bonito push baitfish to the surface. The trick is speed: troll at 8-10 knots with small spoons or jigs. Once you find a school, they'll hit almost anything, so have multiple rods ready.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that average 1-3 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 5-6 pounds. They hang around structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties in 20-80 feet, using those spots as ambush points. Spring through fall is your best bet, especially May through October when they move inshore. What guests love about sea bass is the steady action and solid fight - they pull hard all the way to the boat. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. These fish actually change from female to male as they grow, which makes the bigger ones even more special. My tip: use a fish finder rig with squid or clam, but keep your bait moving slightly. Sea bass are curious and a little movement often triggers strikes from fish that are just watching your bait.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for new anglers. Most run 2-8 pounds, with those sharp teeth and muscular build that gives a solid fight. They travel in schools and feed heavily in surf zones, around jetties, and over sandy bottom in 10-50 feet. Summer through early fall is peak season when they're feeding actively near shore. What makes blues special is their willingness to bite - when they're around, you'll know it. The meat is tasty when fresh, especially smaller fish under 5 pounds. Here's the thing about blues: they often feed in a frenzy, so when you hook one, get another line in the water fast. Where there's one, there's usually a whole school, and you can limit out quickly if you stay on them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silver speedsters that typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though you'll occasionally hook into one pushing 5-6 pounds. They're built for speed with that streamlined body and can really take off when hooked. You'll find them in schools near the surface, especially around structure and drop-offs in 15-40 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the 60s and 70s. These fish are perfect for beginners because they hit hard, fight clean, and don't require heavy tackle. Plus, they make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills beautifully. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your speed up around 6-8 knots. Spanish mackerel love fast-moving baits, and that extra speed triggers more strikes than you'd expect.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the ultimate ambush predators - flat, camouflaged masters that can change color to match the bottom. Most run 15-20 inches and 2-4 pounds, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds are always possible. They bury in sand and mud in 15-60 feet, especially around structure edges and channel drops. Peak season runs May through October, with fall being exceptional. What makes fluke special is the challenge - they're picky biters that require patience and technique. The payoff is some of the best eating in the ocean. These "chameleons of the sea" lie flat waiting for baitfish to swim by. My advice: use a slow drift with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing, and always be ready to set the hook twice. Fluke often grab bait and swim with it before actually swallowing.
Wildwood, NJ